Loved It
TLDR: Shukette is the Middle Eastern menu the people demanded with the execution they deserved. Eating here, you’ll get 80% of the benefit of a trip to Tel Aviv in 5% of the travel time. Suck up the wait for a Good Time™ and take someone who won’t mind you smelling like garlic for the next few hours.
Image credit: thrillist.com
On the rare occasion I cook at home, Israeli food is my go to. Full of flavor, freshness, and plate-licking-good sauces, it’s no wonder everyone I know who has visited Tel Aviv comes back raving about the food. Well, now you don’t have to go to Tel Aviv. You can go to Shukette.
While not technically an Israeli restaurant (“Middle Eastern” is the actual term), Shukette has bottled the feel and flavor I associate with Tel Aviv – it’s quirky, a bit loud, the food is fresh, and there are many sauces to not-politely lick off plates. So maybe not strictly Israeli, but it has the important parts plus some Moroccan flavors which are obviously more than welcome.
What I love about Shukette is it’s one of those restaurants where I can’t decide what I want to order because I want all the things. And, fortunately, you can’t go wrong because all of them are actually good. Do Not Miss items include the frena bread (2 orders) paired with labne and toum (maybe don’t make this a first date – you will taste like garlic after), at least one of the lamb dishes, the castelfranco salad, shawarma spiced fries, the arctic char meatballs, and the tahini soft serve dessert (trust in your Shukette overlords ok?). They do switch up the menu seasonally, so you may not get to taste everything on the first go, but that’s ok, because then you just have to go again.
What seals the deal as an 11 hour flight replacement is the energy of the place. Shukette has fun young vibes like you might find in Tel Aviv. You may even be tempted to go party afterward even though it’s only Tuesday and they don’t serve hard alcohol (but don’t worry their cocktails are still delicious). What can you do? Shukette is a Good Time™.
The trouble is, I would go to Shukette once a week, but I can’t get in. It’s just too damn popular. The secret is out New York. You can always try a 5:30PM walk in, but have a backup plan. Don’t want to take the risk? Set your Resy notifications on for table for 2 and you’ll hopefully nab a table for sometime a month from now. Yes it’s a hassle, but trust me, this one is worth it.
Comments